The Guide to the Tipitaka is an outline of the Pali Buddhist
Canonical Scriptures of Theravada Buddhism from Burma. This
is a unique work, as it is probably the only material that deals
in outline with the whole of the Pali Buddhist Tipitaka. The Tipitaka
includes all the teachings of the Buddha, grouped into three divisions:
the Soutane Patch, or general discourses; the Vane Patch,
or moral code for monks and nuns; and the Abhidhamma Pitaka,
or philosophical teachings. An excellent reference work which
gives an overview of the Pali Buddhist texts. 
It is recommended that you download the print version below as
it is of higher quality.

Print
Version (1,314KB, zipped
file) This print version is suitable for people who can print the
pages duplex and they will have 2 A5 size pages on every Landscape
oriented A4 page. This file is of higher quality with bookmarks
and a hyper linked series of "contents" pages.

For over two millennium the discourses
of the Buddha have nourished the spiritual lives of countless
millions of people in India, Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand.
This book contains extracts from some of these discourses selected
from the Pali Tipitaka and also from some post-canonical writings.
Rendered into readable English, presented so that one extract
can be read and reflected upon each day of the year and provided
with a Readers Guide, this book is an indispensable companion
for anyone trying to apply the Buddha's gentle message to their
daily life.

This book can be used as a textbook on
basic Buddhism. It is based on the Theravada Buddhism syllabus of
the Postgraduate Diploma Examination in Buddhist Studies course of
the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. Since the work is meant
for students, every chapter appears as a unit by itself and is confined
to a few pages. Ven. Pategama Ganarama is the Principal of the Buddhist and
Pali College of Singapore.

“All the chapters are enlightening and sociologically important. Particularly the discussion on Dhamma, medicine and sociology deserves special praise, for the novel and refreshing interpretation offered.” Prof. Chandima Wijebandara. “Early Buddhist redefinition of woman’s social role is well documented and discussed, shedding light on the subject, so it can be viewed in a broader perspective.” Senarat Wijavasundara
Lecturer in Philosophy Buddhist and Pali College of Singapore

The Sutta-nipata is one of the earliest texts of the Pali cannon, coming from the same period as the Dhammapada, before the monastic tradition was strong. It was created by people as they practised and refers
to “the wise one”, rather than to monks or nuns. In the present translation, “the wise one” is referred to as female and as male on a roughly equal number of occasions. This translation aims to combine textual precision and a colloquial style. Natural Australian speech rhythms and some idiomatic expressions
(skite, for example, is an Australian colloquial word for brag or boast) were chosen to reflect both the popular origins of the text and the audience to whom this translation is directed.

Translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita and with
an introduction by Bhikkhu Bodhi. The Dhammapada is the best
known and most widely esteemed text in the Pali Tipitaka,
the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. The work is included
in the Khuddaka Nikaya ("Minor Collection") of the Sutta Pitaka,
but its popularity has raised it far above the single niche
it occupies in the scriptures to the ranks of a world religious
classic. Composed in the ancient Pali language, this slim
anthology of verses constitutes a perfect compendium of the
Buddha's teaching, comprising between its covers all the essential
principles elaborated at length in the forty-odd volumes of
the Pali Canon.

The Dhammapada, an anthology of verses attributed
to the Buddha, has long been recognized as one of the masterpieces
of early Buddhist literature. Only more recently have scholars
realized that it is also one of the early masterpieces of the
Indian tradition of Kavya, or belles lettres. This translation
is an attempt to render the verses into English in a way that
does justice to both of the traditions to which the text belongs.
Although it is tempting to view these traditions as distinct,
dealing with form (Kavya) and content (Buddhism), the ideals
of Kavya aimed at combining form and content into a seamless
whole.

This work lends itself readily to an in-depth
study of this religious classic of mankind, to the great delight
of both the scholar and the student. This PDF file is the text
version only of the Illustrated Dhammapada by Ven. Sarada Maha
Thero. The Pali text has explanatory translation of the verses
with commentary in English.

The First Discourse of the Buddha, namely the Dhammacakkappavattana
Sutta, commonly known as the Great Discourse on the Wheel
of Dhamma. This is a series of discourses on the Dhammacakka
Sutta by the late Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw, a Questioner at
the Sixth Buddhist Council in Myanmar, (Burma) 1954. Translated
by U Ko Lay.

An Exposition of the Upanisa Sutta. Dependent Arising (paticcasamuppada)
is the central principle of the Buddha's teaching, constituting
both the objective content of its liberating insight and the germinative
source for its vast network of doctrines and disciplines. So crucial
is this principle to the body of the Buddha’s doctrine that
an insight into dependent arising is held to be sufficient to yield
an understanding of the entire teaching. In the words of the Buddha:
"He who sees dependent arising sees the Dhamma; he who sees
the Dhamma sees dependent arising."

Practise in accordance with this Mahasatipatthana Sutta so that
you can see why it is acknowledged as the most important Sutta that
the Buddha taught. Try to practise all the different sections from
time to time as they are all useful, but in the beginning start
with something simple such as being mindful while walking, or the
mindfulness of in and out breathing. Then as you practise these
you will be able to practise the other sections contained within
this Sutta and you will find that all the four satipatthanas can
be practised concurrently. A Sutta should be read again and again
as you will tend to forget its message. The message here in this
Sutta is that you should be mindful of whatever is occurring in
the body and mind, whether it be good or bad, and thus you will
become aware that all conditioned phenomena are impermanent, unsatisfactory
and not self.

A historical analysis of the Mahaparinibbana Sutta of the
Digha Nikaya of the Pali Canon. "The Mission Accomplished
is undoubtedly an eye opening contribution to Buddhist analytical
Pali studies. In this analytical and critical work Ven. Dr.
Pategama Gnanarama enlightens us in many areas of subjects
hitherto unexplored by scholars. His views on the beginnings
of the Bhikkhuni Order are interesting and refreshing. They
might even be provocative to traditional readers, yet be challenging
to the feminists to adopt a most positive attitude to the
problem". Prof. Chandima Wijebandara, University of Sri
Jayawardhanapura, Sri Lanka.

The Milanda Panna is a famous work of Buddhist literature,
probably compiled in the 1st century B.C. It presents Buddhist doctrine
in a very attractive and memorable form as a dialogue between a
Bactrian Greek king, Milinda, who plays the 'Devil's Advocate' and
a Buddhist sage, Nagasena. The topics covered include most of the
questions commonly asked by Westerners. This abridgment provides
a concise presentation of this masterpiece of Buddhist literature.
The introduction outlines the historical background against which
the dialogues took place, indicating the meeting of two great cultures
that of ancient Greece and the Buddhism of the Indus valley, which
was the legacy of the great Emperor Asoka.

Many valuable books have been written by Eastern and Western scholars, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, to present the life and teachings of the Buddha to those who are interested in Buddhism. This treatise is another humble attempt made by a member of the Order of the Sangha, based on the Pali Texts, commentaries, and traditions prevailing in Buddhist countries, especially in Sri Lanka. The first part of the book deals with the Life of the Buddha, the second with the Dhamma, the Pali term for His Doctrine.

Abhidhamma is the Higher Teaching of the Buddha. It expounds the quintessence of His profound doctrine. The Dhamma, embodied in the Sutta Piñaka, is the conventional teaching, and the Abhidhamma is the ultimate teaching. In the Abhidhamma both mind and matter, which constitute this complex machinery of man, are microscopically analysed. Chief events connected with the process of birth and death are explained in detail. Intricate points of the Dhamma are clarified. The Path of Emancipation is set forth in clear terms.

The Buddha's ultimate teaching, known as the Abhidhamma,
describes in detail the natures of the ultimate realities
that really exist in nature but are unknown to scientists.
His method of verification is superior to scientific methods
which depend on instruments. He used his divine-eye to penetrate
the coverings that hide the true nature of things. He also
taught others how to develop concentration and how to observe
with their mind-eyes the true nature of all things and finally
the four Noble Truths which can enlighten one to achieve one's
liberation from all miseries for ever!

Radhika Abeysekera began teaching and writing books on the Dhamma
to help reintroduce Buddhism to immigrants in non-Buddhist countries.
The books are designed in such a manner that a parent or educator
can use them to teach Buddhism to a child. Mrs. Abeysekera feels
strongly that parents should first study and practise the Dhamma
to the best of their ability to obtain maximum benefits, because
what you do not possess you cannot give to your child. The books
were also designed to foster understanding of the Dhamma among non-Buddhists,
so that there can be peace and harmony through understanding and
respect for the philosophies and faiths of others.

The following Dhamma books of Ajahn Chah have been included in
this collection of Ajahn Chah's Dhamma talks: Bodhinyana (1982);
A Taste of Freedom (fifth impression.2002); Living Dhamma (1992);
Food for the Heart (1992); The Path to Peace (1996); Clarity of
Insight (2000); Unshakeable Peace (2003); Everything is Teaching
Us (2004). Also some as yet unpublished talks have been included
in the last section called `More Dhamma Talks'. We hope our efforts
in compiling this collection of Dhamma talks of Ajahn Chah will
be of benefit. (Wat Pah Nanachat)

Venerable Ajahn Chah always gave his talks in simple, everyday
language. His objective was to clarify the
Dhamma, not to confuse his listeners with an overload of information.
Consequently the talks presented here have been rendered into
correspondingly simple English. The aim has been to present
Ajahn Chahs teaching in both the spirit and the letter.
In 1976 Venerable Ajahn Chah was invited to England together
with Ajahn Sumedho, the outcome of which was eventually the
establishment of the first branch monastery of Wat Pa Pong
outside of Thailand. Since then, further branch monasteries
have been established in England, Switzerland, Australia,
New Zealand and Italy.

The purpose of this book is manifold. One is to teach the
users of this Vandana book how to pronounce Pali words correctly.
By the daily repetition of these Pali verses and Suttas people
can learn the Pali pronunciation without much effort. Secondly
we intend to teach people the Pali language without much toil.
Therefore we made one half of our chanting in English, so
people learn the meaning of what they chant in Pali and later
on they can compare the English with the Pali. Thirdly, we
intend to teach people Dhamma through devotional service.
In order to fulfill all these purposes we decided to include
certain Suttas which are not normally used in Viharas for
vandana service.

Ordination Procedure, was composed by Somdet Phra Sangharàja
Pussadeva of Wat Ràjapratisñhasthita Mahàsãmàràma.
His Eminence reformed some of the text and procedure for Pabbajjà and Upasampadà from the original text. The method of Pabbajjà
(Going-forth) and Upasampadà (Acceptance) in the Southern
School (that is, Theravàda) uses the original Magadha (Pàli)
language.

A selection of Pali words for daily reflection.
This booklet aims to assist new Buddhist students who are unfamiliar
with some of the Pali words often used in the study of Buddhism.
As the title suggests, it encourages the learning and use of
Pali words by learning one word a day. This booklet can serve
both as a dictionary and a glossary of terms for your reference.

This Elementary Pali Course by the late Venerable
Narada Thera, the renowned Buddhist scholar of the Vjirarama
Vihara, Colombo, Sri Lanka, is the standard work for the study
of the elementary level of Pali. Pali was the language spoken
by the Buddha, and employed by him to expound his teachings.
It is also the scriptural language used by the Theravada school
of Buddhism.

Most introductory Pali grammar books consist
of lessons that teach the elements of the language in stages,
but because of that they are also very difficult to use as a
reference when you need to look up a noun's declension, or a
verb's conjugation. Because of its practical and comprehensive
coverage of the elements of the Pali language in complete chapters,
this book is a very useful reference. It was not written for
linguistics experts, but for students with little experience
studying Pali grammar.

As much as can easily be written of the thudong bhikkhu’s life is contained in these sketches. Just as the flavor of soup is not to be told even in one thousand pages, so the real flavor of this Ancient Way cannot be conveyed by words. Soup is to be tasted: the thudong life is to be lived. If it sounds hard, one must remember that its rewards are great, and in the field of Dhamma-endeavor, nothing is gained without effort. The world wants everything quick-and-easy but the fruits of the holy life are thus only for those who have already put forth their energy, already striven hard for the goal.

The Theravadin Buddhist Monk's Rules by compiled
and explained by Bhikkhu Ariyesako. This compilation is for
anyone interested about bhikkhus and about how to relate to
them. Some may think that this lineage follows an overly traditionalist
approach but then, it does happen to be the oldest living tradition.
A slight caution therefore to anyone completely new to the ways
of monasticism, which may appear quite radical for the modern
day and age. The best introduction, perhaps essential for a
true understanding, is meeting with a practising bhikkhu who
should manifest and reflect the peaceful and joyous qualities
of the bhikkhu's way of life.

Dr. Chatsumarn Kabilsingh has translated the monastic rules of Buddhist nuns or the Patimokkha of the Six Schools, which will help us to learn and compare Theravada, Mahasanghika, Mahisasaka, Sarvastivada, Dhamagupta and Mula-Sarvastivada. The study of the patimokkha also provides insight into the historical context from which the rules took place. This translation will also provide valuable material for concerned Buddhist scholars.

In this booklet we will be exploring poems composed by the arahant bhikkhunis or enlightened Buddhist nuns of old, looking at these poems as springs of inspiration for contemporary Buddhists. From the poems of the enlightened nuns of the Buddha’s time contemporary followers of the Noble Eightfold Path can receive a great deal of instruction, help and encouragement. These verses can assist us in developing morality, concentration and wisdom, the three sections of the path. With their aid we will be able to work more effectively towards eliminating our mental defilements and towards finding lasting peace and happiness.

The following stories of Buddhist women at the time of the Buddha, written by Hellmuth Hecker, have been translated from the German. While every effort has been made by the translator to conform to the original writing, some changes had to be made for the sake of clarity. The stories of Bhadda Kundalakesa and Patacara have been enlarged and filled in. It is hoped that this booklet will serve as an inspiration to all those who are endeavoring to tread in the Buddha’s footsteps - Sister Khema (translator).

Taking a different perspective from the usual biographies of the Buddha, the author retells the great man's story using the society of the time as the backdrop and the Buddha's interactions with his contemporaries as the main theme. We discover what the Buddha was like as a person, how he taught and how he changed the lives of all who were blessed enough to come into contact with him.

Anattà is a Pàli word consisting
of a negative prefix, an meaning not, plus atta,
soul, and is most literally translated as no-soul. The word
atta, however, has a wide range of meanings, and some of those
meanings cross over into the fields of psychology, philosophy,
and everyday terminology, as, for example, when atta can mean
self, being, ego, and personality. Therefore, we will examine
and elucidate the wide range of meanings which atta can signify
in order to determine exactly what the Buddha denied when He
proclaimed that He teaches anattà, that is, when He denied
the existence of atta. We will examine both Buddhist and non-Buddhist
definitions of the term soul, and we will also examine modern
definitions of terms such as ego and self.

What is kamma? The Buddha said:
Oh monks, it is volition that I call kamma. The
popular meaning of kamma is action or doing, but as a technical
term, kamma means volition or will. When you do something, there
is volition behind it, and that volition, that mental effort,
is called kamma. The Buddha explained that, having willed, one
then acts through body, speech, and mind. Whatever you do, there
is some kind of kamma, mental effort, will, and volition. Volition
is one of the fifty-two mental states which arise together with
consciousness.

The suttas describe the 31distinct "planes"
or "realms" of existence into which beings can be
reborn during their long wanderings through samsara.
These range from the extraordinarily dark, grim, and painful
hell realms all the way up to the most sublime, refined and
exquisitely blissful heavenly realms. Existence in every realm
is impermanent; in the cosmology taught by the Buddha there
is no eternal heaven or hell. Beings are born into a particular
realm according to both their past kamma and their kamma at
the moment of death.

Greed, hatred, and delusion - these are the three
bad roots in us. Conversely the good ones are non-greed (i.e generosity),
non-hatred (love), and non-delusion (wisdom). All our troubles and
suffering stem essentially from the bad roots while our joy and happiness
comes from the good ones. It is important to know and understand these
roots if we are going to make an end of suffering and attain true
peace and happiness. This book explains in a penetrative way the nature
of these six roots. It contains discourses of the Buddha on the subject
together with traditional commentarial explanations.

For the modern Westerner, the teaching of kamma
offers a path of practice based not on fear of a higher authority,
nor dogma, but rather founded on a clear understanding of the
natural law of cause and effect as it relates to human behaviour.
It is a teaching to be not so much believed as understood and
seen in operation.

There are different views and beliefs about what happens
after death. Tibetan (Vajrayàna) and Chinese (Mahàyàna)
Buddhists believe that after death, the spirit of the dead
person passes through an intermediate period (bardo in Tibetan,
zhong yin in Mandarin)  which may last for as long as
forty-nine days  during which it undergoes a series
of unearthly, extraordinary experiences, including a small
death at the end of each week, before it is finally
reborn into another realm of existence. In contrast, orthodox
Theravada Buddhism, which is the earliest extant record of
Gotama Buddhas teaching, asserts that rebirth takes
place immediately after death.

The kathina ceremony is now an internationally
established celebration where the Sangha and the laity meet
to participate in mutually rewarding, meritorious activities.
Throughout the centuries, the way of carrying out the ceremony
has changed with local interpretations, practices and customs.
How much has deviated from the original scriptural tradition
 how much is in accordance with the scriptures and how
much is mere invention? In this booklet, Venerable Aggacitta
Bhikkhu combines his scriptural knowledge and practical experience
to scrutinise the kathina ceremony through two articles: The
Scriptural Tradition of Kathina; Kathina Benefits  Illusion,
Delusion and Resolution.

A Spiritual Biography by Acariya Maha
Boowa Nanasampanno. Translated from the Thai by Bhikkhu Dick Sãlaratano.
Acariya Mun Bhýridatta Thera was a vipassanã meditation
master of the highest caliber of this present age. He taught the profound
nature of Dhamma with such authority and persuasion that he left no
doubts among his students about the exalted level of his spiritual
attainment. His devoted followers consist of numerous monks and laity
from virtually every region of Thailand. His story is truly a magnificent
one throughout: from his early years in lay life through his long
endeavor as a Buddhist monk to the day he finally passed away. [This
eBook is also available with photographs
]

NOTE:
There are 3 versions of Clearing the Path. This version is
made for screen viewing and is very similar to the "book"
version. However it is not designed to be printed because
the pages are not a standard size (the pages have been cropped
for easier screen viewing).
It cannot be expected that this material, which poses a clear
challenge to the mainstream version of Buddhism, will gain
any great popularity among the majority of Buddhists 
Eastern or Western  but at least it can suggest an alternative
approach to the Buddha's original Teaching, and perhaps serve
as a useful eye-opener for those seeking an understanding
of its more fundamental principles.

NOTE: Primarily
the PDF "CtPbookV1.pdf" is made to be printed as
a book. Other versions of this PDF are modified to be better
viewed on screen - whilst another is already "pre-printed"
in PDF format as a "2-up" meaning that there are
2 pages per A4 Landscape oriented page to make for easier
printout (on A4 paper) for personal use.

NOTE:
The primary book version was made for printing as a book so
it was not optimised for onscreen viewing or personal printout.
This version "2upbookctpv1.PDF" has been reprinted
(Distilled) via Acrobat so that there are now 2 pages per
A4 page in Landscape orientation (rather than usual Portrait
orientation) so as to make personal printouts for reading
much easier. The same effect could be obtained by using the
original "CtPbookv1.pdf" and printing that via your
desktop printer driver so as to have 2 pages per page (if
possible).

Pali Devotional Chanting and Hymns - It is beneficial
for every Buddhist to recite daily at least a few verses from the
Vandana, recalling to mind the sublime qualities of the Buddha,
Dhamma and the Sangha. Contemplation on these great qualities will
make our minds calm, peaceful and serene.
• Audio files of the chanting are available in BuddhaNet's
Audio section.

Generally, a Chinese funeral is a mixture
of Taoist, Confucian and Buddhist rites. How then should a Theravadin
Buddhist funeral be conducted? Venerable Suvanno, a respected and
senior Theravadin Buddhist monk of Chinese descent explains how a
Theravadin Buddhist Chinese funeral may be conducted.

This book provides a present-moment snapshot of the International community of Wat Pah Nanachat, Thailand. The articles come from a broad cross-section of the community from the abbot to the most newly ordained novice. It opens with excerpts from two chapters of 'Water Still, Water Flowing', Ajan Jayasaro's forthcoming biography of Ajan Cha's life and teachings. To give a visual impression of monastic life, the book also contains a number of photographs and a selection of illustrations by Ajan Abhinano.

This is a commentary
on the seventh Book of the Abhidhamma: Patthana - "The
Book of Causal Relations". Which is the most important
and voluminous book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka, by the late renowned
Burmese scholar monk, Ashin Janakabhivamsa. ( Please
Note: the text is in Burmese script )

Javascript is Required to Access BuddhaNet.

BuddhaNet requires a Javascript enabled browser to run. You
are seeing this message because Javascript has either been turned off in your
browser settings or your browser does not support Javascript. Please refer to
your browsers help file for instruction on re-enabling scripting or upgrade
to Internet Explorer v5.0 or higher.

If you do not wish to use javascript for whatever reason, you
may access the BuddhaNet Site map to find what you are looking for by clicking
here, please note that a lot of our pages have scripting on them. Thank
you for your understanding,